Initial experience of intramammary prostheses in breast conservation surgery

Aims: We assessed the cosmetic and psychological effects of prosthetic intr amammary breast reconstruction on women undergoing complete local excision for breast cancer. Methods: Twenty-two women (mean age 54) underwent insertion of a Nagor sili cone prosthesis into the breast cavity immediately following complete local excision. Following surgery, patients were assessed (range: 6 weeks to I y ear) by a postal questionnaire and independent photographs. Results: Eighteen out of twenty-two (81.8%) women completed and returned th e questionnaire, and 14 out of 22 (63.6%) women were photographed. Thirteen out of eighteen (77.2%) women were either satisfied or very satisfied with the prosthesis, and 10 had experienced no problems since surgery. From the group of patients who were either satisfied or very satisfied, the total p hotograph assessment score was 135 out of a possible maximum score of 165. Five patients (27.8%) were very dissatisfied and requested removal of the p rosthesis. Conclusions: When performing a complete local excision for carcinoma of the breast, insertion of an intracavity prosthesis should be considered when t his would significantly improve the cosmetic outcome.